Ledger.com/start – The Complete Guide to Setting Up and Securing Your Crypto Wallet
Welcome to Ledger.com/start, your official starting point for setting up a Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you are a beginner stepping into the world of cryptocurrency or an experienced investor looking to secure your assets, this guide will walk you through every step to get started safely. From unboxing your Ledger device to installing cryptocurrency apps and managing your digital assets with Ledger Live, you will learn how to take full control of your crypto securely and confidently.
Cryptocurrency is powerful because it gives you financial independence. However, this freedom comes with responsibility. Without proper protection, your assets are vulnerable to hacks, phishing attacks, malware, or accidental loss. Ledger wallets provide offline security, physical transaction verification, and a robust platform to manage thousands of cryptocurrencies while keeping your private keys completely in your control.
By the end of this guide, you will have everything you need to safely manage your crypto and ensure your digital wealth is protected.
Why Choose Ledger for Your Crypto
Security is the cornerstone of cryptocurrency ownership. Unlike traditional banking, crypto assets are self-custodied, meaning you are responsible for safeguarding your funds. Storing assets on exchanges or software wallets exposes them to online threats. Ledger hardware wallets solve this problem by storing your private keys offline in a Secure Element chip, isolated from the internet and protected from malware or hackers.
Ledger wallets offer:
Offline storage of private keys for ultimate security
Physical transaction verification to prevent unauthorized transfers
Protection against phishing, malware, and online threats
Support for thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens
User-friendly management through Ledger Live
Regular firmware updates to maintain industry-leading security
With Ledger, you are in full control of your assets. Your crypto stays yours, with no dependency on third-party platforms or services.
What You Need Before You Begin
Before starting your setup at Ledger.com/start, ensure you have the following items ready:
Your Ledger hardware wallet
A computer or smartphone with internet access
The USB cable provided with your device
Pen and the recovery sheets included in the box
A private and secure environment
Important: If your Ledger package appears damaged or tampered with, do not use it. Contact official Ledger support immediately to ensure safety.
Step 1: Download Ledger Live
The first step in setting up your Ledger wallet is downloading Ledger Live, the official platform to manage your device and crypto assets. Ledger Live allows you to install apps, manage accounts, send and receive crypto, and monitor your portfolio securely.
Visit Ledger.com/start
Download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)
Install and open the application
Security tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Third-party downloads can compromise your device and private keys.
Step 2: Connect and Initialize Your Ledger
Once Ledger Live is installed, connect your Ledger device to your computer or smartphone using the supplied USB cable.
Set up as a new device
If this is your first Ledger wallet, select Set up as new device on the device screen.
Create a PIN code
Your Ledger will prompt you to create a 4–8 digit PIN code to protect the device.
Choose a strong, non-obvious PIN
Never share your PIN with anyone
Avoid storing your PIN digitally
The PIN ensures that even if your device is physically lost or stolen, unauthorized users cannot access your crypto.
Step 3: Generate and Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
Next, your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only backup of your wallet and the key to restoring your crypto if your device is lost or damaged.
Write down each word in order on the recovery sheet provided
Never take a photo, screenshot, or store it digitally
Keep the sheet in a safe and secure location
Important: Ledger or anyone else will never ask for your recovery phrase. Sharing it compromises your security completely.
Step 4: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
To verify your backup, your Ledger device will ask you to confirm a selection of words from your recovery phrase. Carefully check each word and confirm its order. Once completed, your Ledger device is fully initialized and ready for use.
Step 5: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies. To manage these assets, you’ll need to install apps via Ledger Live:
Open Ledger Live and go to the Manager section
Connect your Ledger device and allow access
Select the apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage
Click Install
Popular supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Polygon (MATIC), and thousands of ERC-20, BEP-20, and other tokens.
Step 6: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
Adding accounts allows you to view balances, monitor transactions, and interact with multiple assets in one platform:
Go to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live
Click Add account
Select the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts
Your balances and transaction history will display once the account is added
Ledger Live keeps all your accounts secure and allows you to manage multiple cryptocurrencies in a single, easy-to-use interface.
Step 7: Sending and Receiving Crypto
Ledger Live makes sending and receiving crypto simple while keeping your funds secure.
Sending crypto
Select the account you want to send from
Enter the recipient’s address and the amount
Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device
Approve the transaction on the device to complete it
Receiving crypto
Select the account you want to receive funds into
Copy your wallet address from Ledger Live
Share it securely with the sender
Security tip: Always verify the recipient address on your device screen to prevent malicious software from altering it.
Step 8: Monitor and Manage Your Portfolio
Ledger Live allows you to track your crypto portfolio in real time:
Portfolio overview: See the value of all your holdings in one place
Transaction history: Track incoming and outgoing funds
Swap crypto securely: Exchange assets within Ledger Live
Stake supported coins: Earn rewards by staking assets directly
Connect safely to Web3 and DeFi applications
Ledger ensures that all actions are verified physically on your device, adding a layer of protection against malware or unauthorized access.
Step 9: Security Best Practices
Keeping your crypto safe requires diligence. Follow these best practices:
Never share your recovery phrase
Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start
Verify all transactions on your Ledger device before confirming
Beware of phishing websites, emails, or scam messages
Keep your Ledger firmware and Ledger Live updated
Consistently following these practices ensures your assets remain secure from most digital threats.
Step 10: Restoring an Existing Wallet
If you already own a Ledger wallet or need to recover one:
Select Restore from recovery phrase during device setup
Enter your 24-word recovery phrase
Create a new PIN
Reinstall cryptocurrency apps via Ledger Live
Add accounts to see balances and transaction history
Once restored, you can continue managing your crypto exactly as before.
Advanced Features of Ledger Live
Ledger Live isn’t just for basic transactions; it offers advanced features for power users:
Staking: Earn passive rewards on supported cryptocurrencies
Portfolio analytics: Track performance and diversification
Buy, sell, and swap crypto: Simplify asset management without leaving Ledger Live
Integration with DeFi platforms: Interact with decentralized finance securely
Notifications and alerts: Stay informed of account activity
These tools make Ledger Live a complete ecosystem for both beginners and experienced users.
Ledger Support and Learning Resources
Ledger provides extensive support and education to help you maximize your wallet:
Help Center: Troubleshooting guides and FAQs
Ledger Academy: Learn about cryptocurrency security and best practices
Official tutorials: Step-by-step videos for setup, recovery, and asset management
Always rely on official Ledger resources to avoid scams and misinformation.
Why Ledger Matters for Your Crypto Journey
Ledger is more than a wallet—it’s a platform that empowers you to take control of your digital assets. By keeping private keys offline, requiring physical confirmation of transactions, and offering a secure, intuitive interface, Ledger ensures that you can participate in the crypto ecosystem safely and confidently.
With Ledger, you can:
Take full ownership of your digital assets
Minimize exposure to online threats
Engage securely with DeFi, staking, and NFTs
Grow your portfolio with confidence and peace of mind
Ledger makes it easy to be your own bank, giving you freedom, security, and control.
Take the First Step Today
Starting at Ledger.com/start is your first step toward a secure crypto future. Setting up your Ledger wallet correctly ensures that your assets are protected for years to come.
Remember: Your keys, your crypto, your control.
Follow the steps in this guide, use Ledger Live, and join millions of users worldwide who trust Ledger to protect their digital wealth. Take control today and secure your crypto journey.